Somalia: Ex-Presidential aide kicks off candidacy bid in Somaliland Opp Party

Hargeisa – Somaliland’s Justice and Welfare Party (UCID) is in disarray after former ruling party members have showed off interest in key posts in the opposition ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections in early 2017.

Former State Minister for Presidency, Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan is weighing in on run for presidency under UCID in the upcoming elections.

Hassan along with Foreign Affairs Minister, Mohamed Bihi Yonis and former Finance Minister, Abdiasis Mohamed Samale ditched job over row with President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud (Siilaanyo) and veteran ruling party leader, Musse Bihi Abdi.

On Monday, Vice Presidential candidate, Abdirashid Hassan Matan stepped back from his bid to vie for the post in elections.

Justice and Welfare Party leader, Faisal Ali Warabe is expected to seal deal with former Kulmiye figures—with Hirsi at the forefront- on who should run in his shadow.

Warabe who founded UCID in 2002 didn’t emerge victorious in tough contests held in 2002 and 2010, losing to Dahir Riyalle Kahin and incumbent Siilaanyo respectively.

Analysts believe that opposition leader know wants to bask in the split of ruling party in an effort to corral supporters from ruling Kulmiye party.

Earlier this month, President Silanyo relinquished his re-election, further leaving renegade party members baffling, when delegates endorsed main rival, Bihi in an overwhelming vote in key party congress in the capital, Hargeisa.